Acoustic differences between carpet and hard flooring
Found in: Equipment, Studio Setup
Nancy B., Kansas
We are blessed to be replacing our very old carpet with hardwood flooring in the next week. I have an upright piano on wheels, and wondered if there are any sound/acoustic considerations to think about. We don’t plan to put a rug under it.
Amy L., California
What’s the size of the room? I have an upright piano in my living room (approximately 19 x 13) with hardwood floors and all is fine. But I’ll be moving my teaching into our office (9’6″ x 9’6″) and I’m concerned that it will feel too loud. I’m planning to put in area rugs and fabric wall hangings.
Rochelle G., California
I can tell you that when I moved my piano from our tile onto the carpet, I really missed how it sounded on the tile. It added extra sound and was beautiful. The sound seems muted on the carpet.
Nancy B., Kansas
I am looking forward to seeing if it does make it a bigger sound. I wondered about that being the case. It’s maybe 250 square feet. I am sure we will put a rug in the main part of the room, but the way the piano is up against the opposite (from our couch/coffee table) wall, I think it would be strange to have one under it too. If it ends up seeming too loud, I bet we could get a rug to fit just under it. Although I’m guessing/planning I will just enjoy the increased loudness (in our case, there’s no real disadvantage to being louder, but I imagine that could possibly be a challenge in an office). I can usually play while my kids are sleeping so I will have to test that out!
Joy O., Alabama
This is not about sound, but about the floor. Be sure you protect the hardwood floor when moving the piano, even a little bit. A piano is so heavy, even on wheels it can gouge the floor.
Elaine F., South Carolina
I suggest caster cups under the wheels to protect the floor and distribute the weight a bit. Piano distributors sell them online if there is not a dealer nearby. Comes in lucite and several wood colors.